From Financialexpress · Sugandha Mukherjee · · 1m
Diwali Logistics Surge Tests India's Parcel Networks
Diwali delivery delays highlight India's logistics strain as festive parcel volumes surge.
In brief
Diwali delivery delays highlight India's logistics strain as festive parcel volumes surge. Diwali delivery delays show India's parcel networks struggling with 25-29% higher festive shipping volumes. Originally reported by Financialexpress.
Diwali delivery delays
A parcel from Delhi to Ghaziabad took four days amid Diwali delivery surges.
“A parcel picked up from Delhi on a Sunday took four days to reach Ayushi Singh in neighbouring Ghaziabad”
Festive sales surge
Online festive sales expected to reach Rs 1.50-1.55 lakh crore in 2026, a 25-29% increase from 2025.
“Online festive sales are expected to reach Rs 1.50-1.55 lakh crore in 2026, registering a 25-29% increase from around Rs 1.2 lakh crore last year”
Blue Dart volume increase
Blue Dart expects business-to-business shipments to increase by 40-50% during peak weeks.
“Blue Dart expects its business-to-business shipments to increase by 40-50% during peak weeks, while business-to-consumer volumes are projected to nearly double compared with regular levels”
Delivery volume challenges
Ekart delivery executive delivered 150,000 orders in a single day during peak periods.
“An Ekart delivery executive told FE that he had "delivered as many as 150,000 orders in a single day"”
Blue Dart staffing plan
Blue Dart plans 30-50% increase in front-end operational staff during peak periods.
“Front-end operational staffing is expected to increase by 30-50% over business-as-usual levels, with additional variable workforce running into thousands”
Uber Parcel demand rise
Uber Parcel demand increases during Diwali as individuals send gifts and businesses fulfill orders.
“By tapping into our existing network of Uber Bike drivers, customers are meeting their delivery needs while opening up more earning opportunities for drivers during the festive rush”
Delhivery automation efforts
Delhivery tests 400 automation systems across India to handle festive shipping volumes.
“Its automation and infrastructure team, comprising more than 30 members, has been maintaining and testing over 400 automation systems deployed across the country”
Logistics bottlenecks
Traffic congestion and shipment volumes disrupt last-mile delivery operations.
“Traffic congestion, fluctuating shipment volumes and the availability of delivery personnel complicate last-mile operations, particularly in metropolitan markets”
The key point
Diwali delivery delays show India's parcel networks struggling with 25-29% higher festive shipping volumes.
